Ergometer powered cinema entices rowing audience

31 May 2013

More than 400 people gathered in London, Great Britain to watch an indoor rowing, ergometer-powered cinema screen.

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Ergometers used to power a cinema in London (GBR) as fundraiser for Atlantic Ocean Challenge 0513. Credit: Electric PedalsEight ergometers were modified by a group called Electric Pedals to generate electricity. This electricity was then channelled into the projector and sound system for the outdoor cinema.

The cinema was rigged as a fundraiser for four men who will be participating in the 2013 Talisker Atlantic Rowing Challenge. The Atlantic Rowing Challenge dares rowers to attempt the daunting row across the Atlantic Ocean. This year the crews will begin in San Sebastian de La Gomera, Spain on 2 December and will finish on the Carribean island, Antigua.

The race offers three boat classes - solo, pairs and fours as well as an open category. Each crew chooses a charity and works to raise money for their charity throughout the competition. The race, which is 2,600 nautical miles, typically takes crews over seven weeks to complete. Crews face difficult challenges, including sleep deprivation, salt sores and physical extremes. The reward is a life-changing experience that puts competitors into the small group of adventurers who have rowed across the Atlantic.

Behind the ergometer powered cinema are the Bolton Atlantic Challenge crew. It is made up of four Bolton business leaders from Great Britain – Mark Brocklehurst, Matt Tomkin, Nick Griffiths and Finn Christo. Their charity is the Bolton Lads and Girls Club, a junior mentoring project. The ergo powered cinema event was to aid in their fundraising efforts. Throughout the four hour event, the power was live from the ergometers. The crew did not need to use back up power or batteries.Ergometers used to power a cinema in London (GBR) as fundraiser for Atlantic Ocean Challenge 0513. Credit: Electric Pedals

On the screen a trailer for the upcoming Atlantic row by the Bolton Atlantic Challenge crew and also the BBC documentary Through Hell and High Water were projected.

The BBC documentary projected followed Ben Fogle and James Cracknell in their row across the Atlantic. Among the spectators were Olympic Champion rower James Cracknell, as well as record holder for rowing the Atlantic solo, Charlie Pitcher.